Richard passed away on June 7, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.  A resident of Cherry Hill, NJ, Rich was 89 years old.

Beloved husband of 32 years to Susan K. Luongo.  Loving father of Renée Luongo of Raleigh, NC, Tara (Rob) Soper of Denver, CO and Richard J. Luongo, Jr. (Clea) of Washington Twp., NJ.  Devoted grandfather of Tori and Tyler Soper and Isabella Luongo.  Dear brother of Gerald (Michael) Luongo, the late Lawrence (the late Grace) Luongo and the late Gerardo Luongo.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Richard was born May 3rd, 1934 to Rose and Gerardo Luongo in Collingswood, NJ. He graduated from Collingswood High School in 1952 where he played football and excelled on the track team, earning a scholarship to Temple University in Philadelphia. After a year at Temple, Richard decided to enlist in the Army, serving from 1953 to 1955. Upon discharge, college became his focus and he enrolled at Rutgers Univ., Camden earning his Bachelor's Degree in Education as a Math major. His teaching career took him to Collingswood, Pennsauken, and Haddon Heights. He then decided to return to Rutgers to obtain a Master's Degree and became a guidance counselor at Haddon Heights High School. He retired in 1992 after 25 years at the school.

While education was his career, sports was his passion – especially officiating and as an assignor for softball, baseball, and volleyball. Richard's officiating skills were expansive, including high school baseball, football, softball, soccer, volleyball, track, and cross country – and last but not least, men's and women's weekend softball.

He was infamous as the assignor for NJBUA (New Jersey Baseball Umpire Association) and ASA (Amateur Softball Association) for over 20 years. He then moved on to assigning boys and girls high school volleyball, finally retiring from assigning at 83 years old.

His accomplishments were vast, but the best and most admired trait by all who knew him, was his ability to maintain friendships from high school, college, work, and all the activities and organizations he participated in during his lifetime.

Richard was known for his great smile, infectious laugh, overall goofiness, and unique booming voice. It was hard not to share in his laughter while around him. He was loyal, caring, and devoted to his lifelong friends and family. With his boisterous presence, Richard always ran into someone he knew because of the numerous lives he touched.

It's hard to put into words the impact he had on everyone he met. From education and sports to family and friendships, Richard left an indelible mark on countless people throughout his life. To put it simply – Richard was a good guy who lived a great life. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him had their life enRICHed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Wednesday, June 14, 4 to 7 PM at the Catholic Church of St. Mary, 2001 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday, June 15, at 11 AM.  Entombment Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in in Rich's memory to the Collingswood Athletic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 512, Collingswood, NJ 08108 to be designated in his name towards football, track & field, baseball and softball.

Arrangements by the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, Collingswood and Audubon, NJ.